How to Import a Used Motorcycle Into Canada

Written by natalia herron

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A motorcycle should meet eligibility requirements to be imported to Canada. (motorcycle image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com)

It's not always easy to find a dream motorcycle. Fortunately, if you found that must-have Ducati or Triumph overseas you can still bring it to Canada. Canadians who import used motorcycles from the United States and other countries can save money while still landing a collectors vehicle. You always have an option of paying a customs broker company to import the motorcycle for you. But you also can spend some time and import the motorcycle yourself. Importation rules depend on your motorcycle's age and its country of origin.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

Vehicle Import Form

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Instructions

1

Visit the websites of Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Also check the website of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles if you import the motorcycle from the United States. Consult the Resources links for the exact websites addresses. There you will find requirements for imported vehicles.

2

Read the requirements and make sure that your motorcycle qualifies for importation to Canada. Residents of Canada are not allowed to import motorcycles that were manufactured according to the safety standards of counties other than the United States or Canada. The only two exceptions to this rule are if the motorcycle is at least 15 years old or if the motorcycle is entering Canada temporarily.

3

Deliver the motorcycle to Canadian Customs. You can drive the motorcycle yourself if you are bringing it from the Unites States. Put it on a boat with a shipping company if the motorcycle is from overseas. Express shipping by air is possible too, but it will be very expensive. Check with different shipping companies, as their rates can vary a lot.

4

Pay the customs fees. Fees include Registrar of Imported Vehicles' program fee (for motorcycles from the United States), the goods and services tax, and some additional import taxes depending on circumstances. For instance, a European-built motorcycle imported from the Unites States or directly from Europe, is subject to an additional fee.

Also provincial or territorial sales tax may apply.

5

Have the motorcycle altered to meet Transport Canada regulations and provincial or territorial safety requirements. For motorcycles imported from the United States you must also pass a Registrar of Imported Vehicles inspection. Canadian Tire and a few independent centres are authorised to perform this inspection.

6

Go to a local Canadian licensing bureau to get a number plate. Bring with you the Vehicle Import Form that you should have received at customs.

Tips and warnings

Importation of motorcycles that don't comply with Canadian standards is a criminal offence. If you import an ineligible motorcycle, it will be exported back or destroyed at your expense. You will not get a refund for the importation fees you paid.